Following the 1986 Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster, scientists have investigated the effects of radiation on various species, including birds. However, only two studies have specifically examined the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). One of these studies reported that male cuckoos called less frequently in areas with high radiation levels. These findings were based on point counts and field observations, which can be difficult to validate and may introduce bias. Ecoacoustics, a method that uses sound to study both natural and human-made acoustic environments across different spatial and temporal scales, offers a more objective approach. This study marks the first use of ecoacoustics in the field of radioecology.
In May 2015, researchers deployed Wildlife Acoustics Songmeter 3 (SM3) recorders at 12 locations within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), categorised by radiation dose levels (control, medium, high). Cuckoo calls were identified using cluster analysis in Kaleidoscope Pro software. Environmental factors such as radiation dose, weather conditions, and time of day were also analysed.
The detection system achieved a 95.1% precision rate with only 3.3% false positives. While time of day and rainfall influenced call detection, radiation dose, humidity, and temperature did not. These results contradict earlier studies, suggesting that male cuckoo vocal activity is not significantly affected by radiation levels.
Dr. Helen Whitehead is a Lecturer in Environment and Sustainability at the University of Salford, where she also completed both her BSc (Hons) in Wildlife and Practical Conservation and her PhD in Environmental Studies. Helen’s doctoral research focused on ecoacoustics to investigate radiation's impact on bird populations within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. This work contributed valuable insights into radioecology and highlighted the use of acoustic monitoring in ecological research. Since completing her PhD, Dr. Whitehead has continued to advance the field of ecoacoustics through her involvement in a range of biodiversity monitoring projects.
Following the presentation, we will hold our brief AGM
Attendance is free, please register in advance via CPDTag [https://www.cpdtag.com/app.php?event=A5BA5A3EB064B0A55E862A6795DFA9D].
As is traditional for IOA Midlands Branch meetings those attending are cordially invited for a meal at a suitable restaurant after the meeting.
Agenda for the AGM:
1. Welcome
2. Notes from the last meeting
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Election of Committee Members
5. Suggestions for future meetings (face-to face/virtual)
This meeting is open to members and non-members and is free to attend.
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